St Vincent de Paul

The St Vincent de Paul Society Conference in OLA has 34 full members as well as over 40 volunteers, each of whom takes part in the varied works we undertake.

They meet on the First Sunday of each month (except January) after 9am Mass.

Members assist people who are struggling during a time of crisis in their lives. The people helped are generally unemployed, sole parents or in receipt of sickness and disability payments. The aim is to support them through their tough times with a hand up, not a hand out, with the longer term aim of getting them back on their own feet.

Each month the work includes visiting on average 40 families to provide food parcels and vouchers, to assist with utility bills and transport costs, and to meet urgent requests for medical costs, furniture, clothing and white goods. We also have a weekly run to distribute bread to some 30 families.

Last Christmas 92 Christmas hampers of food, toys and presents were delivered to needy families.

During the year some 10 families have been assisted with education grants for their children commencing secondary school.

If you are interested in being a part of this great ministry, please contact Julie Adams via the OLA Parish Office on 9583 6161.